Recently, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has invited Request for Proposal from Indian users for 220MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) in Brown/ Green fields.
- Based on India’s PHWR technology, BSRs are compact nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 220 MWe.
- BSRs align with global trends of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which have a capacity ranging from less than 30 MWe to 300+ MWe.
Significance of Private Participation in Nuclear Sector
- Resource mobilization: Can attract investment in India’s nuclear infrastructure; provide economies of scale through pooling of resources with India aiming to attract $26 billion for nuclear energy, etc.
- Technological advancements and innovations: Can allow investment in cutting-edge research and bring innovations such as SMRs and advanced cooling technologies.
- Energy transition: Can significantly contribute to achieving targets of 500 GW energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Challenges for Private Sector participation
- Legal: Atomic Energy Act of 1962 restricts private sector involvement, particularly in licensing nuclear plants.
- Uncertainty around liability Laws: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, is under challenge, causing regulatory uncertainty.
- Others: High initial cost due to captive-intensive nature of nuclear projects, public trust in private nuclear operations requires transparency and consistent performance, etc.
